FAYETTEVILLE, NC (AP) — A conference about economic and other issues facing North Carolina is being held at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

The Fayetteville Observer reported that the event is titled “Building a Stronger North Carolina.” Participants will present an overview of the state budget and an economic forecast. They’ll also discuss issues facing communities.

The event is being presented by United Way North Carolina, the N.C. Budget & Tax Center and the N.C. Justice Center.

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy to form the country’s largest electric company is not getting the approval needed by federal regulators.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has scheduled a hearing on changes to the merger plans at its hearing Thursday in Washington. Regulators surprised the utilities late Wednesday by rejecting plans to alter the deal to satisfy fears the combined company would have too much of a grip on wholesale power markets in the Carolinas.

The federal agency said in September the companies should change merger details and suggested steps such as selling power plants. The companies proposed a different option by offering excess energy to wholesale buyers in their Carolinas territories.